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Showing results for refrain.
Definitions

refrain

[ri-freyn] / rɪˈfreɪn /
NOUN
chorus of musical piece
Synonyms
STRONGEST
melody theme
STRONG
burden music song strain tune
WEAK
undersong
Antonyms
STRONG
silence
VERB
do without; keep from doing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abstain avoid cease curb desist forgo halt renounce resist restrain
STRONG
arrest check eschew forbear inhibit interrupt keep pass quit stop withhold
WEAK
be temperate give up go on the wagon leave off not do pass up sit out take the cure take the pledge
Antonyms
STRONGEST
carry on continue indulge keep on use
STRONG
aid allow assist encourage help let go release
WEAK
do go ahead jump in

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Analysts expect outgoing BOK Governor Rhee Chang-yong to refrain from offering clear guidance at his final policy meeting before his term ends on April 20.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

In the run-up to the hearings, the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages Sabarimala, has urged the court to refrain from questioning faith-based practices.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Strategy disclosed Monday something it rarely does — refrain from buying bitcoin.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

The G7 ministers also called on all countries to refrain from imposing unjustified export restrictions on hydrocarbons and related products.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

I repeat the refrain of the song in my head, so I won’t forget it.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

Vocabulary lists containing refrain

List 2

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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Reading: Literature - Poetry - Introductory

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